Beaver

Beaver: The largest rodent in Canada, weighing anywhere between 15-35 kg, the beaver had a profound effect upon the exploration, development and history of the Canadian nation. Due to a demand for the beaver pelt as a textile material in Europe beginning in the 18th century, it was the beaver that sparked the extensive exploration of North America and provided the impetus for the establishment of the lucrative fur-trade economy that became the basis of the Canadian nation. The Beaver has, as a result, become a Canadian national symbol.